A blog on philanthropy and nonprofit news and issues. A publication of Philanthropy Journal.

June 26, 2013

Building a movement to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy

Special to Philanthropy Journal

Kelly Brown

D5 is a coalition of organizations
committed to making philanthropy more diverse, inclusive and equitable in its
practices. But we are more than just that. We are a movement of dedicated people.
And we are taking action.

As demonstrated in D5’s State of Work 2013
report, our movement continues to grow, as more people—from foundations large
and small, individual donors, regional and national associations, and
organizations that focus on diverse communities—recognize that advancing
diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy is critical for achieving
meaningful impact. The new voices and ideas they bring to the table help to
strengthen our work—by asking new questions, suggesting alternative approaches
and bringing fresh enthusiasm to striving for a goal that many of us have been
working towards for decades.

It is important to challenge each other
to tackle tough questions and to inspire each other to take the next steps. As
we keep expanding beyond our original core of foundations and philanthropic
infrastructure groups, we must recognize the progress we’ve made, while doing
the hard work of reaching consensus on strategies for increasing diversity,
equity and inclusion.

As a movement, we have a mandate—and an
exciting opportunity—to pause at regular intervals and reflect on our progress.
That’s been the purpose of the State of the Work reports dating back to the
first major D5 publication in 2011. Once a year we show how this movement is
unfolding and share the lessons learned from the successes and setbacks along
the way. These lessons can help all of us who are interested in advancing
diversity, equity, and inclusion determine the first step (or the next
step) that is right for our organizations.

This year’s report profiles a variety
of foundations who have taken action, so that we can all learn from our peers
in the field. The featured learning profiles were drawn from a deeper analysis
of the best policies and practices. They reflect the growing range of
institutions that engage diversity and inclusion as an essential component of
excellence and effectiveness. And, they answer the all-important question that
many people ask when they hear our big goal:
“Where do I start?”

The profiles highlight the urgency of
action. D5 is working with our partners to build collective will for increased
diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy. We plan to remain a source of
information and guidance by continuing to raise awareness and providing tools
and resources for people who are ready to take action.

But the success of this movement
ultimately depends on all of you. To increase the impact and relevance of our
field, more and more individuals must take on this work in their organizations.
We all know that a report, after all, is just that: a report on our collective
progress—which we hope will provide inspiration and ideas. But it’s not the
“work” itself.

This is hard work. But it is a vital
effort, and together we are making progress. Regardless of whether this cause
is new or familiar to you, I would urge you to reach out to others—the Joint
Affinity Groups, your regional association, the Council on Foundations or population-focused funds—to share what you’re learning
and to strengthen the community of people who have come together with common
purpose.

Our collective action on diversity, equity,
and inclusion put us on a path toward greater impact in advancing the common
good. We hope you will join us in this movement to strengthen philanthropy.

Kelly Brown is the director of D5 Coalition, a five-year effort to increase diversity in philanthropy.
The 2013
State of the Work profiles the many
leaders across the country who are taking important steps toward diversity and
inclusion. Featuring insights from executives of the American Express
Foundation, the Baltimore Community Foundation, Access Strategies Fund, the
Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Capek Consulting,
Russell Family Foundation, and FSG, the report lays the groundwork for a more
diverse sector going forward.